Florida park executive to lead Disneyland

ANAHEIM A Disney veteran who heads a Florida theme park will take over next month as president of Disneyland Resort – Orange County's largest employer.

Michael Colglazier, vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom, where he was planning “Avatar” land and a 23-year employee of the
Walt Disney Co., will replace George Kalogridis, who has headed the Anaheim parks and related businesses since October 2009, the company announced Wednesday.

In a statement, Colglazier said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Disneyland Resort and serve as a steward of both its heritage and its continued growth.”

Colglazier, 46, began his Disney career in 1989 as a corporate analyst. He now oversees Disney's Animal Kingdom, one of four Florida parks, with 3,000 employees. He spearheaded the popular PhotoPass program, leading the effort from 2003 to 2007: Park visitors have their pictures taken and can purchase or view them online.

On Disney fan websites, some wrote optimistically about Colglazier's coming to Disneyland.

“We have a bit of experience with Michael Colglazier from Animal Kingdom, and he is loved by the cast members there,” wrote Todd Regan, administer of
Micechat.com, who goes by Dustysage. “That's a very good sign. He is well known to walk the park frequently and interact with guests and cast.”

Kalogridis is leaving Anaheim for a promotion as president of Walt Disney World, where he started in college as a busboy the year that the resort opened in 1971. The Florida resort has four theme parks, two dozen hotels and entertainment-shopping venues.

“He was personable, thoughtful and a phenomenal steward in investing $1 billion … to the Disney resort, which ultimately made Disney the largest employer,” said Lucy Dunn, president of the Orange County Business Council. “That is an astounding track record of success in a very short period of time.”

Kalogridis is credited with being involved with the community, including Children's Hospital of Orange County.

“I think he is one of the premiere presidents that the Disneyland Resort has ever had,” said Curt Pringle, who was Anaheim's mayor when Kalogridis began.

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